A fully electric refrigerated trailer from Schmitz Cargobull is being trialled in New Zealand by Big Chill Distribution in partnership with TR Group.
Fruehauf NZ, the exclusive partner and distributor for Schmitz Cargobull in New Zealand, says the S.KOe Cool trailer represents “a major step forward in sustainable freight technology” by eliminating the need for a conventional diesel-powered refrigeration unit.
The refrigerated trailer uses a 32kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery system paired with a 20kW electric generative e-axle capable of harvesting energy during braking and while travelling above 60km/h. The trailer is being paired with one of TR Group’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks.
According to Fruehauf NZ, the system helps maintain battery charge, extend operational range and reduce downtime.
The trailer’s fully electric refrigeration system delivers 15,800W of cooling capacity while operating with significantly lower noise and maintenance requirements compared with traditional diesel-powered systems.
The battery system is integrated into the trailer’s landing gear and provides approximately 4.5 hours of self-sufficient runtime, with a full recharge taking around two hours.
Fruehauf NZ says the S.KOe Cool is only about 100kg heavier than a conventional diesel fridge setup while delivering approximately 5% greater efficiency.
Additional technology fitted to the trailer includes real-time temperature monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, geofencing, battery state-of-charge monitoring and remote refrigeration management through Schmitz Cargobull’s TrailerConnect telematics platform.
The S.KOe platform has already received European type approval and won the European Transport Sustainability Award 2024,
Fruehauf marked the local launch of the Schmitz Cargobull S.KOe in August 2024, with customers invited to register their interest in trialling the new product. The Big Chill Distribution trial follows an earlier evaluation of the product by Weatherell Transport.
